I like exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I like exactly" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a specific preference, but it lacks context and clarity. Example: "I like exactly what you suggested for the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I like exactly what I'm doing now," Ms. Hager said.

The New York Times - Arts

I like exactly what they do".

The New York Times - Sports

I like exactly the same things the mistress likes.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I like things exactly the way they are".

The Guardian - Sport

Jane says I'm like our dog in that I like to do exactly the same thing every day in the same order.

The New York Times

Above all, though, I like to know exactly why the applicant is a teacher in the first place.

The Guardian

But I like never knowing exactly what's going to happen too.

Vice

I like to know exactly what's going on and I'm actually quite careful with what I spend.

Huffington Post

So why exactly did I like you/what exactly did I like about you? (list things here!).

WikiHow

One guy I liked was almost exactly my height.

Vice

"It's elegant, exactly as I like it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure your sentence structure is grammatically sound by using adverbs or adjectives that properly modify the verb 'like' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly" directly after "like" without a clear object or context. This can lead to confusion about what you are expressing a preference for. Instead, clarify your statement with a specific object or action that you like.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I like exactly" functions as an expression of preference, though it is grammatically unconventional. It aims to emphasize a specific liking but, according to Ludwig AI, lacks standard grammatical structure. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in expressing what one enjoys or finds appealing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I like exactly" is grammatically incorrect and rarely used in formal writing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English. While it appears in some sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it's better to opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "I specifically like" or "I particularly enjoy". These alternatives provide more clarity and precision in expressing preferences. Although the phrase intends to emphasize specificity, using more standard phrasing will enhance communication and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I specifically like

Replaces "exactly" with "specifically" to emphasize a particular preference.

I precisely like

Uses "precisely" instead of "exactly" to highlight a refined or accurate liking.

I am fond of

Offers a more general expression of liking, replacing the need for "exactly".

I am particularly keen on

Emphasizes a strong interest or liking, substituting the original phrase with a more descriptive alternative.

I thoroughly enjoy

Replaces "like" with "thoroughly enjoy" for a stronger expression of pleasure.

I appreciate that

Shifts the focus to appreciating something specific, replacing the direct liking.

That appeals to me

Expresses that something is attractive or interesting, instead of direct liking.

I favor that

Indicates a preference for something, replacing "like exactly" with a formal preference.

I am drawn to

Expresses attraction or interest in something, offering a different nuance of liking.

That resonates with me

Implies a deeper connection or understanding, changing the context of liking.

FAQs

What's a clearer way to express "I like exactly"?

Instead of "I like exactly", consider using phrases like "I specifically like", "I particularly enjoy", or /s/"I'm fond of" to express your preference more clearly.

How can I use "specifically" instead of "exactly" after "I like"?

You can say, "I specifically like this aspect of the design" or "I specifically like the way this works" to be more precise than using "I like exactly."

Is "I like exactly" grammatically correct?

While you might find examples of "I like exactly", it's generally considered grammatically weak. It's better to use stronger phrasing such as /s/"I specifically like" or /s/"I particularly enjoy".

What are some alternative phrases to "I like exactly" for expressing preference?

Alternatives include /s/"I precisely like", /s/"I am fond of", or "I appreciate that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.